LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf ......fe 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



POEMS 



BY 

MAKY C. EYAN 



J5 




NEW YORK 

JOHN B. ALDEN, PUBLISHER 

1890 
ex? 



T; 



^ ^' ( T I 



Copyright, 1890, 

BY 

MARY RYAN. 



TO TEE BELOVED MEMORY OF HER FATHER, 

P. M. RYAN, M.D., 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR, 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

There's None 5 

Can It Ever Be ? 7 

On Hope's Broken Wing 7 

Farewell 1 But When Roses 8 

Pleasures 10 

Love 11 

Ohl If My Weary Soul 12 

Life 13 

Sonnet 14 

Like a Fair Pearl 14 

Childhood's Home 15 

Alas! Alas! 16 

Father 17 

Little Daisy 18 

Fairer than Lilies 19 

The Day Draws Nigh 20 

When Sadness Like a Gloomy Night 21 

Silently Fell Great Drops of Dew 22 

God's Love 24 

Dear Saviour, to Thee 25 

Forgiveness 25 



4 Contents, 

PAGB. 

If 26 

OhIWhySoSad? 27 

Though Bright 28 

To Miss Annie N , 29 

Mlzpah 29 

The Lonesome Day 30 

A Gem Without a Y\a.w 31 

Retrospection 32 

In the City of Peace 34 

Beyond Life's Steep 35 

Loved and Lost 36 

God Is Everywhere 36 

Oh! Tell Me Not. 38 

Grandma Ray 39 

'Tis Only a Rosebud 41 

A Prayer 42 

Years Pass Away : 43 

Oh! Ask Not Why 44 

No More 45 

Our Flag 46 

The Future Gleams . 47 

Sunbeams 48 

The Rose and the Lily 49 

How Sweet It Is 50 

Oh! Give Me Back 51 

A Dream, or God Knows Best 52 

Sonnet: Hope 58 

Oh! The Flowers 59 

Since We Have Parted 60 

The Beautiful Gates of Light 61 



POEMS. 



THERE'S NONE. 

In this proud world there's none 

But has imbosomed in his inmost heart, 

Mem'ries of days now gone, 
Which to the kindest fate a gloom impart. 

There's none that never wept, 

Nor felt earth's curse. Each bears a secret 
grief, 
That from the world is kept — 

Some poignant pang that never finds relief. 

For oft o'er lowly graves, 

Where fond and dear ones were forever 
laid, 
The breast in anguish heaves 

As loving hands strew flowers o'er the dead. 

Through years of toil and strife, 
The friends once loved can never be forgot. 



6 Poems, 

Vicissitudes of life, 

But prove their friendship and the good 
they wrought. 

Pleet are the joys of earth, 

E'en like a mirage they elude our grasp ; 
And men in scenes of mirth , 

Encounter oft a deadly, subtle asp. 

Earth's triumphs e'en are vain, 

Like bright-hued bubbles on the wings of 
rhyme. 
*' Is life worth living then ? " 

This query rings through corridors of time. 

In sapphire skies above, 

An Elysium for the sainted dead ; 
A home of peace and love — 

Is life worth living when this is its meed ? 

The seeds in earth are sown. 

They die ; but spring to life in April's 
rain ; 
We, too, must soon go down 

To the vile dust, but we shall live again. 

So in life's deepest gloom, 

Never despair. Time's a meteor bright. 
And lo! beyond the tomb 

Terrestrial griefs are changed to pure 
delight. 



On Hope's Broken Wing, ' 

CAN IT EVER BE ? 

O God ! how can it ever be, 
That I Thy glorious face can see, 
Be cleansed from sin by Thy Son's blood, 
Which for man's sins so freely flowed ? 
That when Thou comest with Thy band 
Of mighty angels fair and grand. 
To make Thy jewels up for Thee, 
That Thou wilt then remember me ? 

But, ah ! how can I ever be 

A jewel bright and glow for Thee, 

And live with Thee in that fair land. 

And with Thy hosts of angels stand ? 

For now I am so vile and weak. 

But trembling, lone. Thy ways I seek. 

Thy blood to cleanse. Thy love to guide, 

And lead me to my Saviour's side. 



ON HOPE'S BROKEN WING. 

On hope's broken wing my spirit once fell. 
From joy's sunny heights to great depths 
of woe ; 
And music's sweet strains in sadness did swell, 
Life's garden of flowers was covered with 
snow. 

But a bright little bird sang of God's love, 
** I, even I, to the ground can not fall, 



8 Poems. 

Without the care of the Father above *, 
He careth for me, for He loveth all." 

My eyes then beheld a lily in bloom ; 

From her heart of gold she whispered to me: 
" I sow and reap not, I dread not the tomb, 

The hand of my God provideth for me." 

My soul then, in prayer, sought peace with 
its God, 
The snow on life's garden melted away : 
And my new heart seemed a beautiful sod 
Where a sweet hope bloomed that ne'er 
will decay. 



FAREWELL ! BUT WHEN ROSES. 

Farewell ! but when roses shed their per- 
fume o'er thee, 
At twilight's sweet hour, sacred to love. 
Search thy mem'ry's dark vaults, for remem- 
brance of me, 
And find the charms, which thy bright 
eyes wove; 
And then if thou canst, oh, dispel that 
strange power 
Which has doomed me their captive to be I 
For afar from those orbs, a faithful sun- 
flower, 
My poor heart will be turning to thee. 



Farewell! But When Roses. 9 

Though the fountain of love, which is 
sparkling so bright, 
In the glance of your dark hazel eyes ; 
Will be frozen and still, far away from that 
light, 
In the gloom of life's sorrowful days. 
But beauties of sunbeams are gorgeously 
revealed, 
In the ice on a bleak winter's day ; 
So love's silvery sprays, by thy cold frown 
congealed, 
Vanished hopes and bright smiles will dis- 
play. 

I leave thee, but sad thoughts, like the frost 
on the rose, 
Will cling to my heart's innermost fold ; 
For soon in the dim, shadowy past must re- 
pose, 
Love's soft pinions of crimson and gold. 
Too fondly I have loved thee ; I cannot forget 

The fleet arrows that wounded my heart, 
Though hope's bloom is shed, in my bosom 
lives regret. 
And time brings no balm for true love's 
smart. 

Then farewell ! but remember my love can 
not die, 
Linked to life, a flow'r to its stem ; 



10 Poems. 

Though rejected and scorned, in my bosom 
'twill lie, 
A heart's devotion, life's priceless gem, 
When thy smiles and affections another has 
won, 
And hope's rainbow is seen through your 
tears. 
E'en then in thy mem'ry keep a green spot 
for one 
Who so truly has loved you for years. 



PLEASURES. 

How fleeting are all the sweet pleasures below, 
Like gay flaunting phantoms before us they 

go; 
Or like dreams of enchantment with victory 

won. 
Vanishing with sleep, and forever are gone. 

Thus daily earth's pleasures like mists pass 
away. 

The hopes we hold dearest the soonest decay; 

And joys that are brightest the quickest de- 
part. 

Leaving fond mem'ries to cling round the 
heart. 

The glory of kings, the beauty of flowers, 
Survive but a season, a few summer hours, 



Love, 11 

For all we enjoy from our grasp pass away, 
E'en life at its close will appear as a day. 

How vain then are all the allurements of life, 
Since all that is won in the world's busy strife. 
In a moment is lost. The triumphs and fame 
Of the great and the wise are simply a name. 

For in palace or cot at life's ebbing tide, 
But one hope can remain, one joy can abide. 
The hope of the soul for redemption on high, 
And joy of the promise, a home in the sky. 



LOVE. 



At early morn oft have I seen 

The dew-drop kiss the rose. 
While nature smiled so sweet, serene, 

After her night's repose. 
The little birdies sang of love, 

The flowers bloomed so fair ; 
While I alone sadly did rove. 

But found no solace there. 

For love with me long years ago, 
Wandered by silv'ry streams ; 

Striking the harp so sweet and low — 
The music of her dreams. 

In silence she did bind my heart 
. With fetters hard and strong ; 

Then from my side she did depart 
With a gay happy throng. 



12 Poems, 

She left me e'er to wear her chain 

In sorrow and in tears ; 
But she will never come again — 

See what her captive wears. 
In idle sport the chains she wrought, 

Then gaily fled away ; 
To free myself in vain I've sought 

Many a dreary day. 



OH ! IF MY WEARY SOUL. 

Oh ! if my weary soul this night, 

Should quit its mortal frame. 
And from this dreary world take flight, 

On the fleet wings of time ; 
To dust my body would return, 

They'd say, She sleeps in death ; 
But ah ! where would my soul he borne 

So silently from earth ? 

Oh I would my soul find rest and peace, 

In realms of endless day ; 
Where all life's woes and storms would cease 

Midst joys that ne'er decay? 
Or would it sink to that dark shore. 

Of pain and misery, 
Where hope, bright star, would gleam no 
more 

Through all eternity ? 



Life. 13 

O God ! help me to choose the right, 

And ever ready be ; 
So when I see life's darksome night, 

'Twill bring no fears for me. 
And when my soul is poised to fly 

Over the sea of death ; 
Oh ! send bright angels from on high 

To bear me from the earth. 



LIFE. 



Oh 1 what is life, but a short breath, 

The heavings of a breast, 
A soul's strange dream while on the earth, 

A vague and brief unrest? 

Each year is a tidal wave, 

Hastening us o'er life's sea; 
A warning voice from the cold grave, 

Where all is mystery. 

E'en like a harp carelessly strung, 
Life sounds no perfect chord. 

The sweetest strains that can be sung, 
Are marred with harsh discords. 

If days, the notes of life's great song, 

Could all be played aright. 
Oh ! then the world as one vast throng 

Would listen at its might. 



14 Poems. 

SONNET. 

An idle thoughtless youth, long years ago, 
Meandering upon a coral strand, 
Finding a seed from a strange, unknown 
land, 
In his fair garden did the embryo sow. 
The seed took root, and proved a noisome 
weed — 
A pois'nous vine that ran along the ground, 
And round the flowers deadly tendrils 
wound. 
Ten thousand seeds produced from that one 
seed, 
By winds in other gardens soon were blown. 
Storms far and near the loathsome seeds con- 
veyed, 
And where they fell, dire destruction fol- 
lowed. 
So vice into man's heart comes e'er unknown, 
But being there, virtues are easily foiled 
And kindest natures are forever ruined, 



LIKE A FAIR PEARL. 

Like a fair pearl within its shell, 
A sweet hope lies within each breast ; 
Far, far below the billow's crest. 

Below each varying tidal swell 



Childhood's Home, 15 

Though dark the tide 'neath stormy skies, 
Or bright the gleam from moonlit waves, 
Alike serene in ocean caves, 

The perfect jewel hidden lies. 

Thus through each scene of joy and woe, 
Life's sweet hope e'er remains the same, 
Unchanged by time and fickle fame, 

Its genial rays in all hearts glow. 

But as rough shells from the dark sea, 
Disclose their treasures in the light, 
Eare gems reflecting sunbeams bright. 

In crowns of kings honored shall be. 

Lifted by God from depth of night, 
The ransomed soul as changed shall be, 
From cumbrous earthly shells set free, 

Ever to bask in Heaven's light. 

For in a brighter world than this, 
Life's hope at last will be revealed, 
The longing soul be satisfied, 

Resplendent in eternal bliss. 



CHILDHOOD'S HOME. 

The earth bears on its bosom 
No landscape more fair, 

And this heart never cherished 
Memories more dear, 



IG Poems. 

Than the home of my childhood, 

The fond ones that met 
There around the bright fireside, 

In converse so sweet. 

Though those friends have departed. 

Deserted that home, 
And afar from its door-step. 

So sadly I roam, 
Yet oft of those happy years, 

A shadowy train 
Of dim visions seems gliding 

Through my weary brain. 

Other homes may be brighter. 

In splendor may shine, 
Other friends in true friendship 

Grasp this hand of mine ; 
But, home of my childhood, 

My heart leaps for thee, ^ 
Like an o'erflowing fountain 

Where'er I may be. 



ALAS ! ALAS ! 

Alas ! Alas ! the noisy laugh, 
May stifle back a sigh; 
And galling tears concealed may lie 
Within the brightest eye. 



Father. 17 

The gayest at' the banquet board, 
O'er vanished days may mourn ; 

And e'en the light exulting heart, 
With secret grief may burn. 

Unfathomable the heart's great depths, 

Ourselves we do not know, 

For oscillating to and fro, 

We live twixt joy and woe. 
For all on earth must pass away. 

Life's joys bright sunbeams prove ; 
And things most prized elude our grasp 

Like phantom dreams of love. 



FATHER. 

Father, with Thy great love draw me 

Closer to Thee ; 
And banish from my soul its night 

With truth's great light. 
Oh ! give my panting spirit rest 

Upon Thy breast, 
There let me cling closer to Thee, 

Thy glory see. 

For through the changing scenes of life^ 
In earth's great strife, 

I've fought for Thee and for the right 
With all my might. 



IS Poems. 

But all that I could win proved vain 

And full of pain, 
So I grew weary in the fray, 

" Fell by the way. 

What I have sown, others did reap, 

So I must weep. 
O Saviour, speak these words to me,— 

''All's well with thee/' 
Thy promises I do believe, 

So God receive 
This contrite heart, and give me rest 

Upon Thy breast. 

For now in tears I've come to Thee 

Without one plea ; 
No golden grain to Thee I bring, 

No worthy thing ; 
But at my Saviour's feet, e'en I 

Now prostrate lie. 
O Father, take my sin-sick heart 

And heal its smart. 



LITTLE DAISY. 

Oh ! sweet little Daisy, I'm sighing for you. 
With thy fair auburn tresses and eyes of true 

blue. 
Let me go where I will, I can never forget, 
The brightest of summers, with no thorn of 

regret. 



i 



Fairer, than Lilies, 19 

Oh ! my love for the friends of the sweet long 
ago, 

In mem'ry's fair garland, still in beauty may 
glow; 

Like the breath of sweet flowers, their shad- 
ows may fall, 

Yet sweet little Daisy is dearest of all. 

Then come to me, Daisy, for my heart calls 
for you. 

Oh ! come in thy beauty with thy eyes of true 
blue. 

Without you, love's circle would be incom- 
plete, 

But with you the bitters of this life would 
seem sweet. 

Oh ! the pleasures, fair Daisy, of the long ago, 

In mem'ry's fair garland still in beauty may 
glow; 

Like music's sweet strains, their shadows may 
fall, 

But the hour I met Daisy is dearest of all. 



FAIRER THAN LILIES. 

Fairer than lilies in bloom, 

Fraught with the sparkling dew, 

Brighter than dancing sunbeams 
On the waters blue, 



20 Poems, 

Sweeter than nightingale songs 

In the stilly night, 
Is the idol of my heart, 

Its joy and delight. 

Others may quaff ruddy wine, 

Bask in Fortune's smile, 
E'en reside in marble halls, 

Lux'ries all the while ; 
But give me the true love 

Of her I adore. 
Then with health, to earn my bread, 

I'd not ask for more. 

Sparkling eyes and ruby lips, 

Tresses of shining gold. 
Has my true love, but her name 

Can not now be told ; — 
But when springtime comes again. 

Orange blooms she'll wear. 
Proudly I will call her mine 

In the glad New Year. 



THE DAY DRAWS NIGH. 

The day draws nigh when I must pass 

Into the silent land ; 
In God's true balance to be weighed, 

By His unerring hand. 



When Sadness. 21 

Alone before His judgment seat, 

Without a single plea, 
But that the Lamb of Calvary 

A ransom was for me. 

In hopes and fears I trembling wait, 

That summons from on high. 
Which bids this world's vain glory fade, 

Before my sightless eye. 
When in the agony of death, 

One gasp ! and time is o'er ; 
My heart, so pierced with sorrow's sword, 

Will feel those wounds no more. 

So I would leave this bleak, harsh world 

Just at the dawn of day, 
As emblem that my sorrows all 

With earth have passed away — 
And they who watch that gloomy night 

In silence round my bed. 
Will see the darkness lost in light, 

And whisper, *' She is dead." 



WHEN SADNESS LIKE A GLOOMY 
NIGHT. 

When sadness like a gloomy night 

Comes stealing o'er thy soul, 
Oh ! pause and think of time's swift flight. 

How soon vou'll reach life's sroal. 



22 Poems. 

And though thy heart is ofttimes tilled 
With burning griefs and cares, 

Reflect ; for God with wisdom willed 
This life be bathed in tears. 

When weary here, toiling in vain, 

With soul that longs for rest, 
Then falter not, if thou would'st gain 

A mansion with the blest. 
It may be that love unrequited 

May often dim thine eye, 
Yet onward press, though earth may fade. 

You'll get your meed on high. 

Then nobly bear the cross of life, 

Whate'er it chance to be ; 
E'er bravely battle in the strife 

Until the soul is free. 
Never repine o'er trifling woes. 

This world is but a span ; 
And life in ceaseless numbers flows, 

As when time first began. 



SILENTLY FELL GREx\.T DROPS OF 
DEW. 

Silently fell greatdrops of dew. 

Upon a garden fair, 
Then noiselessly the flowers grew. 

As if by magic there. 



Silently Fell Great Di^ops, 23 

In silence came the rose's sweet breath, 
Each flow'ret's brilliant hue ; 

Trees robed in green, and e'en o'er earth, 
A canopy of blue. 

But noiselessly the golden light, 

Became a sombre hue, 
When the dark goddess of the night 

Passed o'er the sky of blue. 
Then silently came the hoar frost. 

And nipped the flowers fair, 
Each drooped and pined upon the stalk, 

Withered in silence there. 

Thus round the sun so noiselessly. 

This great orb whirls with speed, 
As ages of eternity 

Pass with a silent tread. 
Without a jar nature performs 

Each task assigned by God, 
Marred only by some sudden storms, 

Strokes of His chast'ning rod. 

E'en silently years pass away. 

And leave us unawares ; 
The young grow old, but can not say 

When 'twas, nor how, nor where. 
So listlessly as time passes by, 

We learn its truths too late ; 
Amazed we live, and love, and die. 

Then meet an unknown fate. 



24 Poems. 

GOD'S LOVE. 

Midst scenes of distress, oh I what would we 

do, [there, 

If God's love like His rainbow was not 

Encircling the world, with its chasms of woe, 

Where the sin-burdened souls writhe in 

despair ? 

Our heart's strings would snap, when life's 
cold storms blow. 
Blighting the hopes of our sunniest hour, 
If the soul in its anguish then did not know 
That all things were made and ruled by 
God's pow'r. 

Alone on life's sea, oh ! where would we drift. 

If God's love did not encircle the soul ; 
Bearing it onward to faith's tow'ring cliff, 

As the ages of eternity roll ? [shore, 

Our bark would be wTecked, on some rocky 

Where powers of darkness ever would 
reign, 
If we knew not, when our voyage was o'er, 

That smiles of our Lord would banish all 
pain. 

When sowing the wheat and reaping the tares. 
And struggling to rise, we stumble and fall. 

What could we do, to escape Satan's snares, 
If God's love was not a refuge for all ? 



Forgiveness. 25 

DEAR SAVIOUR, TO THEE. 
Dear Saviour, to Thee, to Thy bosom I would 

fly. 

When dark flows the tide of despair ; 
Sheltered there, I could those billows defy, 
And my soul no danger would fear. 

And Saviour, to Thee, to Thy bosom I would 

fly. 

When gay are the highways of earth ; 
Clinging close to the cross when temptations 

are nigh, 
My soul would be guided by truth. 

Whatever betides, to Thy bosom I would fly, 

To find there a refuge of peace, 
Where the Lord wipes ev'ry tear from the eye, 

And bids the soul's tempest to cease. 



FORGIVENESS. 

Fair as a rainbow in summer 

After a chilling blast, 
Is the sweet smile of forgiveness 

When anger's clouds are past. 

For hearts estranged by mere trifles, 

Are united again, 
If both will relent and forget 

A transient throe of pain. 



26 Poems, 



IF: 



How oft upon a wound that smarts. 

We'd pour the oil of charity, 
If we the depths of all men's hearts 
Could only see. 

And sympathetic tears would fall, 

For erring souls in guilt and woe, 
If we the temptations of all 

Did only know. 

The crimes and sins of a dark life, 
Even less heinous would appear, 
If we the wails of its fierce strife 

Could only hear. 

And follies, faults of fellow-men, 

Gladly from slander we'd conceal, 
If we their pride, anguish, and pain 
Could only feel. 

So the pure springs of charity, 

For God's lost sheep would ever flow, 
If we heart trials, wrongs could see, 

From depths of woe. 

Some day before the great white throne, 
When our lost soul for mercy pleads, 
Trembling we will approach alone 

With worthless deeds, 



Oh! Why So Sad? 27 

And hope,' though vile, defiled by sin, 
To be made pure with Jesus' blood. 
So look to self. Judge not frail men. 
Leave all with God. 

For He, who knows secrets of all, 

Cleanseth the vilest wretch from sins, 
E'en while the penitent's tears fall, 
Mercy begins. 



OH ! WHY SO SAD ? 

Oh ! why so sad this joyful day ? 
Why weepest thou when all are gay ? 
Their sweetest songs the birds now sing, 
With mirth glad nature's echoes ring, 
Vibrating joy from heart to heart 
Should bid thy sorrows now depart. 
Why still repine ? Life is not long. 
Come join the happy, joyful throng. 

Thus friends oft come and kindly speak, 
But sorrow's chain they cannot break; 
For round my heart 'tis linked till death 
My soul shall free from this sad earth. 
The past aad present o'er me blend, 
I long to see my journey's end; 
When silent voices I shall hear 
And kiss the lips, still true and dear. 



28 Poems, 

From love's bright garland, one by one, 
The fairest flowers soon were gone, 
But I've been left, their loss to weep, 
My lonely vigils e'er to keep. 
Then blame me not, if I am sad, 
My careworn heart cannot be glad. 
Lone in this world, who could remain 
Without e'er feeling lasticig pain ? 



THOUGH BRIGHT. 

Though bright is the smile that's parting your 
lips. 

And sweet the words you are saying ; 
Though sparkling the cup which young 
Cupid sips, 

As with my poor heart he is playing. 
Go leave me alone, for I wish to be free ; 

My poor heart in thralldom would break ; 
Yet stay, for I feel love's fetters on me, 

While I not a protest can speak. 

Go list to to a bird, as he sings of love, 
So plaintive the notes which he trills ; 

Then ask why I shun the net Cupid wove 
And refuse the cup that he fills. 

Love smiles, and I see 'tis useless and vain 
To attempt to resist him now, 

For my quickened heart is throbbing with 
pain, 

Or with joy that's akin to woe. 



Mizpali. 29 

TO* MISS ANNIE N. 

Annie, when friends around thee throng, 

Culling life's flowers for thee, 
To twine a garland fot thy brow, 

That thou raayst happy be ; 
When thy bright smiles in some fond eye, 

Reflected thou canst see — 
Look ! through the vista of years past, 

With one sweet smile for me. 

And when thy youth and beauty fade, 

And barren earth appears, 
When thou art left alone to mourn 

In sorrow and in tears, 
Though from no heart, to thy low sigh, 

An echo comes to thee — 
List ! from the hills of vanished days, 

For one deep sigh from me. 



MIZPAH. 

God watch between us, though apart 

Our weary feet must rove, 
And bind with golden clasps this heart 

With thine in holy love. 

When brightly beams the sky above. 
As on some placid lake we glide. 

Each fragile bark, God watch with love, 
And to some blissful haven guide. 



30 Poems. 

Oh ! lead life's trend through earth's dark 
vale, 

Shield each from Satan's guile ; 
Comfort our hearts in sorrow's gale 

With a benignant smile. 

And lead us both through pastures green, 

To the pure fount of life ; 
There let us rest 'neath skies serene; 

Conquerors in earth's strife. 

Mizpah, oh ! lisp, and let us part 

With hopes to meet again. 
May each e'er pray with contrite heart — 

" God watch betwixt us twain." 



THE LONESOME DAY. 

The lonesome day 

Has passed away, 
Darkly night's shadows fall, 

And in those shades 

The sunlight fades, 
The day's beyond recall. 

Thus age creeps on, 

Our race we run. 
Death ends earth's bitter strife ; 

E'er we repose, 

Time will disclose 
The vanities of life. 



A Gem Without a Flaw. 31 

So now reflect, 

O'er each defect ; 
Truly thy sins bewail ; 

And watch and pray 

For that sweet day 
Death lifts life's mystic veil. 

For at life's close, 

How sweet to lose, 
For the eternal day, 

These years of woe ; 

Never to know^ 
A joy that will decay. 



A GEM WITHOUT A FLAW. 

1 tried to buy a jewel bright, 

Of purest serenest ray ; 
AVithout a flaw to mar the beauteous gleams 

That o'er its surface play. 

I thought I'd wear a thornless rose, 

Forever upon my heart ; 
A sweet red rose, that to life's dreary scenes 

Rich fragrance would im.part. 

And then I sought to find a friend. 
Who faultless would ever prove ; 

His heart, a cup to hold the sweets of life. 
Receptacle of love. 



«32 Poems. 

I sought in vain to find one joy 
That was unalloyed with woe, 

One flawless gem, one perfect thing of clay, 
One spot of peace below. 

I searched in vain, I could not find 

One single perfect thing ; 
When lo ! came whispers from the spirit 
land, 

A flaw is but death's sting. 

All blemished things must pass away, 
Earth's fairest flowers must die, 

But perfect gems some day you'll surely 
find 
With immortality. 



RETROSPECTION. 

Sitting alone in the gloaming. 

With soul grown weary with weeping; 

And drifting so far, far away 
From the scenes of this lonely day ; 

Like perfume wafted from flowers. 
Clings to some fair Elfin bowers. 

So fancy reverts to the past, 

To the years that vanished so fast. 

And life like a desert appears. 

All covered with sorrows and cares ; 



Retrospection. 33 

While joys like oases green, 
Ofttimes on the vast waste are seen 

Or like a bird singing in glee, 

Though shot in sport, falls from its tree. 

So at the zenith of my joy 

In fortune's hand I seemed a toy ; 

And into woe's deep pit was cast 
To bear alone its fiery blast. 

But dust to dust is God's decree 
To things of earth whate'er they be ; 

And he who stores his treasures here, 
Like bubbles sees them disappear. 

So, well for us, that each some day 

At death's dark door, life's ills can lay ; 

With sorrows, tears, and griefs all o'er, 
E'en lost in joy forevermore. 

Por if to self we but prove true, 
Prom Sharon's rose we'll sip the dew. 

In the darkest gloom of night 
We'll see by faith a distant light. 

And hear a voice," All's well with thee, 
True to thvself and true to me." 



34 Poems. 

Then, when across Jordan's cold stream. 
These years of toil will seem a dream. 

So watch and pray, and be content, 
And let not time be idly spent. 



IN THE CITY OF PEACE. 
In the city of peace, that is paved with pure 

gold ; 
The half of whose loveliness has never been 

told ; 
On the beautiful shore of the bright crystal 

sea, 
Oh ! is there not some one that is watching 

for me ? 

Though around me, so darkly misfortunes 

may press, 
Enveloping my life in a film of distress ; 
That gloom o'er my soul like rain to parched 

fields would be, 
If I knew friends in glory were praying for 

me. 

Though my path o'er life's mountains is 

rugged and steep. 
And lone are the vigils, that rny sad heart 

must keep, 



Beyond Life's Steep. 35 

Joy would fill my bosom, if my eyes could 

but see 
At the end of that way, friends were waiting 

for me. 

If Jesus through this world would but lead 

my life's trend, 
I'd know that my sorrow in great joy would 

soon end, 
And all of earth's crosses would as nothing 

then be, 
When my Saviour and King gives a bright 

crown to me. 



BEYOND LIFE'S STEEP. 

Beyond life's steep and rugged mountains. 

Beside a crystal, sparkling sea, 
O'er sands of gold, celestial fountains 

Flow fraught with life for you and me. 

For aye, in fields of vernal green, 
The ransomed soul in peace reposes ; 

And o'er that bright, eternal scene 
Blow zephyrs sweet as summer roses. 

If we from Pisgah's mountain high, 
Could view earth's rising tides of woe. 

For Eden's fair fields, the heart would sigh 
And we would forget hopes wrecked below. 



36 Poems. 

LOVED AND LOST. 

Loved and Lost ! it can not be. 

We part for aye to-day, 
That I no more gaily witli thee, 

Down by the brook will stray. 
The wild rose that we plucked is dead. 

But ah ! its thorns remain 
Deep in my heart ; for joy has fled, 

Never to come again. 

Down by the brook, lover's tales you told. 

And stole my heart from me , 
Then locked it with the key of gold 

You dropped in mem'ry's sea. 
Though we must part, we'll meet again. 

Beyond the mists of death. 
For souls in heaven would harbor pain 

Without the loved of earth. 



GOD IS EVERYWHERE 

One gloomy day, 

A man did stray 
Through fields and woodlands drear ; 

And chanced to see 

On the green lea, 
A flower sweet and fair. 
It was the violet so blue. 
That he saw hiding there. 



God Is Everywhere, 37 

"Why thus," he said, 

" Thy fragrance shed 
O'er this secluded spot ? 

Oh ! why not grow, 

Thy beauty show, 
And seek a brighter lot ? 
For thou would'st win some lover true 
In palace or a cot." 

It hung its head. 

And thus replied : — 
** My God has placed me here, 

And I'm content 

My life be spent 
This lonely spot to cheer ; 
To some faint heart, e'en I may show 
That God is everywhere. 

"And I alone, 

In modest tone, 
Far from the haunts of man, 

A soul may win, 

From loathsome sin, 
Back to its God again. 
For o'er me here, His zephyrs blow, 
His care for me is seen." 

The man passed by. 
And heaved a sigh ; 
But left the violet there. 
" Long live," he said. 



38 Poems. 

" Thy fragrance shed, 
For God is also here. 
To my sad heart, well didst thou tell 
That He is everywhere. 

*'For there's no place, 

Where there's no trace, 
Of His great love and care ; 

Where'er I be, 

His love I see ; 
For He is ever near. 
Where space extends. His praises swell, 
For God is everywhere." 



OH ! TELL ME NOT. 

Oh ! tell me not of love grown cold, 

Nor of departed hopes ; 
These tales are sad and often told 

By every heart that weeps. 

But tell to me what good you'll seek 
From this great world to gain ; 

Though fortune frowns and earth looks 
bleak, 
You'll cherish no dull pain. 

The future stands before us now 

xV mass of unhewn stone, 
Which will into an image grow 

Beneath time's hand alone. 



Grandma Ray. 39 

And we to carve its features fair 

Must use our time aright, 
We have no days nor hours to spare, 

But work we must with might. 

All man can do. The greatest fame 

Is e'er by trifles won, 
Success's the meed of well spent time, 

And peace, of tasks well done. 



GRANDMA RAY. 

In a black dress and snowy cap, 

Sat Grandma Ray 
In her arm-chair, to knit and nap 

One winter's day. 
The children played around her there 

As they were wont to do ; 
Their fairy tales she did not hear, 

Nor see the falling snow. 

The noisy group silent did grow, 

Tired of its play ; 
''Oh! come," said one, *' let's crown the brow 

Of Grandma Ray." 
With nimble fingers a fair wreath 

Was twined of evergreen, 
And bright red berries, with a wealth 

Of gold and silver sheen. 



40 Poems. 

They crowned the brow of Grandma Ray, 

In love and mirth, 
Each little child happy and gay 

Seemed not of earth. 
And when Grandma at last awoke, 

She gave to each a kiss, 
And in her own kind way she spoke 

Of Heaven and its bliss. 

In joy the angels came that night, 

And bore away 
On snowy wings to realms of light 

Dear Grandma Eay. 
The withered wreath in tears was bathed. 

But angels now will twine 
One for Granny that ne'er will fade, 

In Heaven's light to shine. 

Her tottering form so bent and old, 

Had reached time's goal ; 
Long waiting for the crown of gold, 

Her weary soul. 
For many years the poor and sick 

Loved Grandma Ray, 
And often had the great and rich 

Asked her for them to pray. 

In earth was laid so tenderly. 

Her weary form; 
A shattered bark had crossed life's sea. 

Through time's great storm. 



'Tis Only a Rosebud, 41 

At last in peace 'tis anchored now 

In haven of sweet rest, 
Though Granny's dust lies 'neath the snow. 

Her soul's on Jesus' breast. 



'TIS ONLY A ROSEBUD. 

'Tis only a rosebud, faded and dead! 

But around it still fond memories cling. 
In halls of pride its aroma was shed ; 

Once of its beauty a poet did sing 

In numbers which flowed from heart unto 
heart. 
And chords long silent vibrated once more; 
Its glory defied the poet's loved art, 
But soon its sweet bloom and triumph were 
o'er. 

It drooped and withered, was ruthlessly 
thrown, 

Anywhere ! anywhere ! out of the way. 
In obscurity now, it lies unknown, 

Even forgotten is its inspired lay. 

But thus it is e'er : the joys we possess 
Are cherished one moment, then flung away. 

And the charms of youth, the world oft 
caress. 
In age are forgot and left to decay. 



42 Poems. 

So pick up the faded, castaway flower, 
Tenderly list ! as it sighs its last sigh. 

For sweet it will be in death's darksome hour, 
To feel and to know, some kind friend is 
nigh. 

For kind words oft cheer the proud broken 
heart, 
And raise the soul from gloom and de- 
spair, 
To earth's dreary scenes bright visions im- 
part ; 
Jewel above price is sympathy's tear. 

Then weep with the sad and laugh with the 

gay, 

Making life brighter to all whom you meet; 
*' Well done," will be said then to you some 
day, 
'* Enter into rest eternal and sweet." 



A PRAYER. 

Father, now to Thee I pray, 

Oh ! guide my steps aright ; 
The future is a mystic way; 

O God ! be Thou my light, 
And watch my bark, though rude and frail, 

Sail- over life's deep sea. 
Though shattered oft by time's fierce gale, 

Bring me at last to Thee. 



Years Pass Away. 43 

If on an unseen rock I strand, 

Let me in peace go down ; 
If I but feel Thy loving hand, 

I'll fear not death's grim frown. 
Through this world's scenes, where'er I be, 

Oh ! ever be my guide ; 
And draw me closer, Lord, to,Thee, 

And there let me abide. 



YEARS PASS AWAY. 

Years pass away, 

Bright hopes decay. 
And long before the hair is gray, 

A shade of gloom 

From the cold tomb 
Darkens the lustre of life's day. 

Romances fade, 

Cares bow the head 
Before life's strife is e'en begun ; 

The weary heart 

In noonday's heat 
Must disenchanted toil alone. 

Then love's sweet bloom 

in winter's gloom 
Often blossoms in sullen hate, 

And beauty's vale 

In one fierce gale 
Is ruined and left desolate. 



44 Poems, 

But longing soul, 

Ages must roll 
O'er thee when naught is left of earth ; 

A moment here, 

Forever there. 
Beyond life's darksome portals, death. 

• 
So look on high, 

Beyond the sky. 
That faith's pure light may guide your 
eyes, 

Gleaming afar. 

Through gates ajar. 
To lead from earth to Paradise. 



OH! ASK NOT WHY. 

Oh ! ask not why that her guitar remains un- 
strung. 
Of the lone stranger within thy gate. 
Her native songs in a strange land can not be 
sung. 
The spirit chords would break, not vibrate. 
Perhaps a gentle hand might tune the 
loosened strings, 
Lift from the weary soul its shade of gloom. 
For there's no life but round it ever clings 
Some hope that still awaits the rain to 
bloom. 



No More. 45 

So to tlie stranger speak kind words of cheer, 

For thou a wanderer yet may be ; 
Sealed is the future, and this life at best is 
drear ; 
Darker woes than hers may come to thee. 
And souls that yearn in vain for some kind 
words of love 
In splendor's throng desolate would be. 
No balm, no costly gifts to weeping minds 
can prove 
As sweet a solace as charity. 



NO MORE. 

From the hillside and through the glen. 

Resounds this mournful sigh : 
No more will be what once has been, 

For winter days are nigh. 
The youth that danced 'neath summer skies 

Now bears the weight of years, 
The splendor of his dark blue eyes 

Is dimmed with briny tears. 

And through fair music's sweetest strain, 

Sad discord of '* no more " 
Orates on the ear, but all in vain 

Life's golden hours are o'er. 
No more ! the autumn's chilling blast 

Speaks to the flovrers fair, 
No more ! the brooks lisp as they pass. 

No more ! chirp birds in air. 



46 Poems, 

No more ! No more ! where'er we be. 

We hear this restless sigh; 
What once has been, no more can be ; 

Life's winter days are nigh. 
Beyond the sky, in mystic lore 

Is sung for evermore ; 
Still earth and sea echo no more 

To Heaven's evermore. 



OUR FLAG. 

Long may our starry banner wave. 

Long may our land be free ; 
For honor bright, in peaceful skies. 

My prayer e'er shall be. 
Columbia, fair and happy land. 

With sons so brave and true. 
Long may thy stars in glory wave 

O'er those who wear the blue. 

And if in ages yet to come 

Is heard the din of wars 
Through our loved homes, oh! then may 
still 

In triumph wave the stars. 
May ne'er our banner be unfurled 

O'er battles we shall rue. 
But songs of victory e'er be sung, 

^Y those who wear the blue. 



Ttie Future Gleams. 47 

The stars and stripes from sea to sea, 

Long may they float on high, 
Like glory's rays e'er streaming bright, 

Against a cloudless sky. 
Our country's weal is e'er the pride 

Of hearts both brave and true, 
For well we love our own fair flag 

Of red and white and blue. 



THE FUTURE GLEAMS. 

The future gleams with beauteous light, 

Life's far-off isles are green ; 
Un tasted joys are always bright, 

The distant sea serene. 
And sunlight shining through the rain 

Gives the bright bow its form ; 
Whose gorgeous tints will even then 

Evanish in the storm. 

Delusion hides her snares and griefs, 

In meshes strangely fair, 
Wise men are wrecked on Beauty's reefs, 

And sink in dark despair. 
Though phantom hopes of joy and love, 

May sweetly charm the ear, 
They, to our woe, oft bubbles prove. 

And pass away in air. 



48 Poems. 

But stem life's tide. Do not despair 

Beneath a midnight sky, 
For silently the moriiing fair 

Is surely drawing nigh. 
E'en though the heart is racked with pain. 

Frowns will those pangs increase, 
While smiles, like sunshine through the rain. 

Will form Hope's bow of peace. 



SUNBEAMS. 

Grasp the golden sunbeams, 

That gaily round thee play, 
And hoard the fleeting gleams, 

Shining so bright to-day. 
For once their light is shed, 

'Twill never shine again ; 
So grasp them e'er they fade 

And pass beyond thy ken. 

Let not the moments fly. 

On slow wings of despair, 
Kor on the noonday sky 

Let no dark clouds appear. 
So when life's sun is low. 

And all thy tasks are done, 
The heart will brightly glow 

With pleasures that are gone. 



The Rose and the Lihj. 49 

Then, like through dark gray trees, 

Sunset arrows dart, 
Are virtues brightest rays 

Reflected from the heart ; 
And over earth will throw, 

From life's distant west, 
Fair and golden halo, 

As the soul sinks to rest. 



THE ROSE AND THE LILY. 

One summer morn, when woods were green. 

And sweet the grassy lea. 
Midst flowers fair as e'er were seen, 

A lily bloomed for me. 

So queenly fair its pearl-white leaves. 

So bright its heart of gold, 
While its sweet breath on aerial waves. 

Of hidden sweetness told. 

It seemed to live like one I knew, 

The maid I loved so well. 
In fragrant beauty, pure it grew; 

Love's tale it seemed to tell. 

So to my Love, this flower fair 

I gave with vows of love; 
Thinking beauty so pure and rare. 

Like love w^as from above. 



50 Poems, 

My Love then gave me a sweet rose. 
With all its charms for youth, 

And said when beauty it would lose, 
'Twould leave its fragrant breath. 

The rose, the lily, and my Love, 
Alike from dust were made, 

<God gave them beauty from above 
That soon on earth would fade. 

Tlie rose, the lily, both are dead, 
Their fragrant lives are o'er ; 

And my sweet friend from me has fled, 
On earth she treads no more. 

E'er like the lily she had lived. 

In beauty pure and kind ; 
But like the fragrant rose she died, 

Sweet mem'ries left behind. 



HOW SWEET IT IS. 

How sweet it is, at eveningtide, 
To feel that God our steps will guide, 
And lead us gently through the day, 
If we only trust His way. 
And sweet it is, when night comes on, 
And this vain world to sleep has gone. 
To know that then, on Jesus' breast 
Sheltered from sin, we sink to rest. 



Oh! Give Me Back, 51 

But sweeter still, in early life, 

When we first enter earth's fierce strife. 

To feel that Jesus is our friend, 

"Who'll guide us safely to the end ; 

To feel He knows each want and grief, 

And in good time will send relief ; 

To feel in Him we fully trust, 

And are redeemed with blood of Christ, 



OH! GIVE ME BACK. 

Oh! give me back my childhood years, 

The friends that are no more, 
Youth's golden dreams, free from glum fears. 

The balmy days of yore. 

I'd rather sport in life's fair spring, 

Chasing the butterfly, 
Than win and love some beauteous thing. 

Only to see it die. 

Our dearest hopes will, one by one, 

Pass far beyond our sight. 
And pleasures vanish soon as won. 

Like day fades into night. 

For all that fortune can bestow, 

Like fairy gifts must fade. 
The days and years as quickly go ; 

Toil with vain hopes is paid. 



52 Poems. 

And in ambition's gilded cup, 

Is e'er a bitter draught 
For her fond votaries to sup ; 

Her shrine's with sorrow fraught. 

So give me back my childhood's years. 
Heart light as thistle-down, 

And eyes undimmed with rising tears, 
The joys in childhood known. 



A DREAM, OR GOD KNOYf S BEST. 

Sometimes beneath the richest jewel robes, 
The weary heart in supreme anguish throbs, 
For this vain haughty world no succor gives 
To those who mourn o'er lost chords in this 

life. 
But God, who clothes the lilies of the field, 
And gave the birds their plumage bright and 

warm, 
O'er all His creatures, both the great and 

small, 
Has a wise care, and suits His gifts to each. 
Although His blessings sometimes come dis- 
guised, 
With wisdom and unfathomable love 
He shapes and rules the destinies of men. 
So if we trust in Him, all will be well; 
E'en as the man who treads in virtue's paths 



A Dream, or God Knows Best. 53 

And sees the snares and vices of this world, 
Will thank the hand that did chastise the 

child, 
And showed the perils that beset this life. 
Por in the great hereafter each will find, 
His deepest griefs are blessings sent from God 
To train the soul for higher spheres above. 

So in the maze of this world's changing 

scenes. 
And as we climb the rugged heights of time, 
We must not wonder why we fall so oft, 
Or why our hearts are bruised. For on the 

earth 
The sharpest thorns with fairest flowers grow, 
Under affliction's rod, each soul must pass 
And bear the stings of its relentless strokes. 
Then through the storms of life, doubt not 

God's love; 
!Nor shrink from fate. There's a merciful 

hand 
That e'er in justice rules the world. 

One eve 
My weary spirit groaned beneath its cross, 
So bitterly I mourned a wretched lot; 
Tried to comprehend God's dispensation, 
Why some were doomed to labor and to wait. 
While others, though they neither sowed nor 

reaped. 
Yet e'er did bask in fortune's favored bowers. 



54 Poems, 

While some were straggling for mere exist- 
ence, 

Others reposed on splendor's downy couch; 

'Neath calumny some shriek in agony, 

As others stray in pleasure's wanton ways ; 

Then some are princes, others vassals, slaves. 

When posed o'er these strange facts, a zephyr 
sighed: 

''Tis God's will." 

Weariness came o'er me then. 

And pensively lost in meditation, 

I soon was gently clasped in Morpheus' arms; 

When lo ! the gloaming of a winter's eve 

Was quickly changed to a bright summer 
day; 

The dreary place of my sad waking hours. 

Vanished before a lovely fairy scene ; 

Gay wildwood birds flitting from bough to 
bough, 

Singing to their Creator songs of praise. 

The sky, the earth, all things proclaimed His 
love. 

While o'er my soul blew sweet Lethean winds. 

Which silently did lull my weary brain. 

And brought deep peace. 

A light flashed from[on high. 

And then appeared an angel clad in white. 

Standing upon a snowy, fleecy cloud ; 

One hand did clasp a tiny book of gold. 

The other was outstretched as if to bless 



A Dream, or God Knows Best, 55 

The world so cursed since the great fall of 

man. 
In a clear, gentle voice, the vision spoke: 
" God made man holy, but he fell from grace. 
Then sin brought misery, loathsome disease, 
And even death into a fair bright world. 
Loud lamentations God has heard from earth; 
All men complain of a stern cruel fate, 
Each thinks his sorrows are a darker hue 
Then those of fellow-men. There's none 

content. 
So, now, afflicted ones, lend me your ears, 
Take heed! and hear what the Most High de- 
crees! 
Bring ye, your troubles, ailments, here at eve. 
And with companions change sin's heavy load; 
From day to day come all and barter fate, 
'Till this fair moon shall wax and wane once 

more ; 
Whatever burdens then your soul shall choose 
Must e'er be borne while time and life shall 

last.'^ 
The angel paused. A multitude drew nigh, 
Bringing myriads of earthly ailments. 
Pain, disease, sorrows, all the ills of life, 
Were quickly cast at the bright angel's feet, 
Forming a mountain reaching to the sky, 
On whose lofty summit despair did reign, 
For all the woes of life were in that heap. 
The vision bade each one to take his choice. 



56 Poems. 

Then quickly the dark mountain disappeared, 
As each and all bore some complaint away — 
One he deemed lighter than his own. 

A blank, 
And then the golden sun illumed the earth, 
An amethystine sky in beauty beamed 
Upon a world disconsolate and wild; 
The piercing shrieks and groaUvS that rent the 

air, 
Were terrible indeed for me to hear. 
Each person did bewail the trade he made, 
Piteously cried for his own burden back. 
Days passed away, probation's time was o'er, 
Once more the angel standing on the cloud, 
Proclaimed aloud, *'The moon has waxed and 

waned, 
" Of all the ills of life, now take your choice." 
Again I saw the mountain of despair 
Rise before an impetuous multitude. 
I heard a voice as of the rustling winds: 
" Contented are we all to take once more 
Our own true being and its sorrows too." 
Bravely each shouldered his accustomed ills, 
And lightly bore his burden from the scene. 
But as they disappeared, I heard some say: 
'' 'Neath smiles and wealth, sorrows are 

often hid"; 
" In poverty, joys sometimes are obscured "; 
*' God knows what's best for each and all. 
And gives us strength to bear His easy yoke"; 



A Dream, or Gud Knows Best, 57 

*' If we could only trust His holy word, 

Affliction's rod we need not ever dread *' ; 

" For He will heal the contrite, broken heart'*; 

*'Over each life His day and night must pass"; 

"Oh! there is none,but bears a secret grief " ; 

'' For joy and woe go hand in hand through 
time; 

Filling the air with smiles and tears." 

At last 
The angel opened wide the book of gold. 
No name was there, no man himself had 

changed. 
The angel smiled, and pointing to the sky, 
Said in a cheering voice like music sweet : 
*'For those who love and serve the Lord of 

Hosts, 
The gates of Heaven ever stand ajar. 
But time is fleeting; prepare the soul 
To enter into that Elysium." 
And then I saw, oh! wondrous, glorious 

sight. 
The pearly gate standing ajar for me. 
I heard a voice like angels singing low : 
'' In this fair city sorrows are unknown. 
Great joy and peace forever here abound. 
Strive to come in." 

But as I tried to go. 
The vision passed away, for I awoke 
Amidst this life's accustomed poignant woes; 
But I resolved ever to be content, 



58 Poems. 

And nobly bear my sorrows through this 

world ; 
Resigned to fate, but earnestly I'd strive 
With all the fervor of a yearning soul, 
To gain an entrance into Paradise. 



SONNET: HOPE. 

Sweet angel of joy! beautiful Hope! 
With jewel-tipped wings e'er ready for 

flight, 
Thy siren songs, by moon's silver light, 
Despair and sorrow oft will envelop 
In a halo of bliss, till both are lost 
In joy's bright cloud. Hope, thou anchor 

of life, 
Which saves the weary in the world's great 
strife 
When helplessly they, by storm's fury 
tossed, 
A soul in anguish a long lonesome day 
Rejoices ever thy sweet voice to ken. 
So, beautiful Hope, chase woe far away 
With thy bright allurements pure and 
serene. 
May we enjoy thy smiles all the way. 
Through earth's mystic vale, oh ! ever be 
seen. 



Oh! The Floivers. 59 

OH! THE FLOWERS. 

Oh! the flowers that bloom in beauty to-day, 
To-morrow may fade, so soon they decay. 
They'll vanish from earth, e'er summer is 

o'er, 
They'll pass like the dew, and blossom no 
more. 

So hopes we cherish so fondly to-day, 

Will flee from our grasp, like shadows away; 

And in the heart's depths will leave a great 

void. 
Or will sever in twain love's silken chord. 

But time speeds on, and lo! other flowers, 
Will spring into life in other bright hours; 
But only to bloom in beauty, then die 
As the rosy-winged summers pass by. 

Thus hope after hope, from youth to old age, 
With sweet magic power our souls will en- 
gage. 
Then pass from our ken, like sunbeams away, 
To bloom in the spring of eternal day. 

And friends we love in this cold world of 

ours, 
Will fall midst joys and perish like flowers. 
For soon on this earth man*s short life is o'er; 
And then, when once gone, he returns no 

more. 



60 Poems. 

Though life for a while is full of delight, 
Still work and watch for the on-coming night. 
Oh! live not alone for one sunny day, 
For time's on wings, and will soon lly away. 

And then, when earth and its pleasures are 

gone. 
We'll cling to the hope which lingers alone. 
As a handful of cla}^ is laid 'neath the sod, 
The spirit returns, and lives with its God. 



SINCE WE HAVE PARTED. 

Since we have parted, oft the roses have 
bloomed 
In beauty and pride, then faded away; 
Through many fair sunny lands I have 
roamed, 
Where mirth seemed to reign o'er votary 

gay, 

And love to her shrine rich treasures did 
bring. 
E'en Bacchus was there, with his sparkling 
wine ; 
In ecstasies, too, the Naiads did sing; 
All hearts did rejoice save this one of mine, 



The Beautiful Gates of Light. 61 

Wand'ring afar, my lost love regretting ; 
For when in raptures two souls meet and 
love, 
They still will love on, heart-aches forgetting, 
They will love till life closes, and then love 
above. 
So ever, fair one, I am thinking of thee, 

Thine image can't be erased from my heart, 
Thy face and thy form, I fancy I see. 
Oh! woe was the day that doomed us to 
part, 



THE BEAUTIFUL GATES OF LIGHT. 

I would be happy, so happy, 

If 1 knew on the Saviour's breast, 
Safe from the arrows of Satan 

That my soul securely did rest ; 
I would rejoice in the tempests. 

If there flashed o'er my feeble sight. 
Bright gleams, through the shadows of 
death, 

From the beautiful gates of light. 

No more would my soul be weary, 
No more would I languish and pine. 

If at the end of life's journey, 
I knew heaven's joys would be mine. 



62 Poems. 

No more would my heart crave pleasures 
That fade like the meteors bright ; 

I'd turn from delusions of earth, 
To the beautiful gates of light. 

I would be happy, so happy, 

If I knew on the Saviours breast, 
Safe from the snares of the tempter 

That my soul securely did rest ; 
If on life's wild waste a pathway 

Whose trail, though so narrow and 
straight, 
Would lead me through perils and woe, 

To the beautiful gates of light. 

When with my gloried vision 

The grandeur of Heaven I see, 
I'll sing a glad song of triumph, 

As the bright -gates open for me. 
Then at the feet of my Saviour, 

Beyond the dark regions of night, 
I'll pass from death's shadows to life, 

Through the beautiful gates* of light. 



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